Hi JerryAlex,
I'm sorry you're having to deal with a PLS diagnosis. I think focusing on what you can still do is great advice. Unfortunately that's easier said than done. I have ALS, and I can still talk, eat, breathe, and walk a bit. Should be living in the moment & enjoying the "good times". I think that'd be maybe a bit easier to do if I didn't have so much pain all the time.
Aside from focusing on what you can do, I would definitely go for the anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medication. I didn't even realize I was anxious - I had never had any problem with anxiety before. I was finding myself yelling at the kids, unable to handle any sort of loud noises (not good with a 4 & 6 year old), and not wanting to engage at all with other people. Celexa has helped tremendously. I'm at least halfway back to my normal calm self.
How is your husbands mobility? I get very tired easily from walking & any sort of activity really triggers my spasticity and pain. I had asked my neurologist about getting a wheelchair & he advised against it & said if I got one now I'd "never walk again". So I found myself sitting in a recliner much of the day while my wife & kids played outside or went out somewhere. I finally decided this was stupid & bought a small power wheelchair that comes apart in 3 pieces and can fit in just about any trunk. I also bought a heavy duty mammoth outdoor scooter that can handle just about any terrain for getting around outside on our rural property.
The feeling of MOVING again without pain or fatigue was wonderful. That really lifted my spirits more than anything. I now take the kids out by myself again.
I have a cane for around the house & use a walker at night if I'm really worn out.
The other thing that has helped me is switching doctors. I waited a long time to switch from the first neurologist. The guy was flat out uncommunicative. I figured he was smart but not a people person. At any rate, three neurologists later I am now working with someone who is absolutely fantastic & has helped tremendously with medication, physical therapy, assistive devices, etc.
If your husband has weakness in his ankles & foot drop, Ankle Foot Orthotics are very helpful. I wasn't really tripping, but I didn't realize how much energy it took to hold my foot up or lift my leg up higher to clear my foot. It wasn't even really dropping as much as I've seen some people's feet, but when I walked my toes were hitting the ground before my heel if I walked barefoot on hardwoods you'd hear a slapping sound with each step.
It sounds like you've got a very supportive family. I hope your husband is able to get in the space of focusing on what he can do and adapting when he needs to.
If you haven't already, you should check out PLS-Friends on Yahoo Groups. It is a very active group.
Take care,
Rob